Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi pledges security as teachers' strike enters week two

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang (left) and Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi at Jogoo House, Friday. [PHOTO: ANGELA MAINA/ STANDARD]

Kenya: Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi has assured teachers and learners of adequate security starting next week amid the ongoing teachers' strike.

Prof Kaimenyi said the Government would protect all teachers and learners keen to resume learning.

“We are in talks with all relevant arms of Government to ensure the rights of every Kenyan are guaranteed. The ministry will work with other state agencies at national and county level to ensure safety of learners, staff and property,” he said.

The CS said the decision was arrived at following reports that some learners and teachers have been going to schools but fear for their security.

“Previously, students have burnt property and teachers attacked. But even as they (teachers) fight for their rights, learners also have rights because striking teachers rights are not absolute,” said Kaimenyi.

The CS spoke as the two teachers unions maintained they will continue boycotting work. Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) asked its members to stay put.

“We are entering the most cruel part of the strike. All schools will not operate because they shall be closed. Let them (Government) ensure security of institutions,” said Kuppet secretary general Akelo Misori.
Misori said Kuppet members will commence nationwide demonstrations starting next week.

“We ask the police to guarantee security. All teachers will storm TSC and Ministry County Education headquarters,” said Misori.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary General Wilson Sossion said the strike will last longer than expected and asked teachers to stay put.

“We shall be out for a longer stretch of the strike. This is a warning to those breaking court orders. Teachers must come out in large numbers,” said Sossion.

He said any threat by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) should be ignored. “They have failed to honour any court order. Why should teachers take them seriously,” said Sossion.

Yesterday, TSC defended its move to the Employment and Labour Relations court to seek fresh orders declaring the ongoing teachers strike illegal.

Commission chairperson Lydia Nzomo said the work boycott is illegal, unjustified and uncalled for. “Only TSC has the mandate of employing, promoting and remunerating the teachers. And they must go to work,” said Nzomo.

Nzomo refuted claims that TSC is disobeying court orders.

“If we get some orders from court that we are not satisfied with, we are free to appeal,” she said.